JP2010217531A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which a frame member and an interchangeable unit are surely electrically connected, while reducing a manufacture cost. <P>SOLUTION: In a printer 1, an interchangeable unit 90 is inserted in the frame member 3R in a first direction D1 and further in a second direction D2, whereby it is attached to the frame member 3R. First electrodes 101 ..., of the frame member 3R are composed of a metal wire rod bent in shape going along planes R101 ..., and have contacts 101A ..., constituted to advance/retreat in a right-and-left direction orthogonal to the first and second directions D1 and D2 and coming into contact with second electrodes 201 ..., of the interchangeable unit 90. The directions of the contacts 101A ..., are set so as to become positional relation that the planes R101 ..., going along the contacts 101A ..., are parallel with the right-and-left direction and cross a first plane S1 and a second plane S2 at angles G2 and G3 smaller than an acute crossed angle G1 formed by crossing the first plane S1 and the second plane S2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus includes an exchange unit that can be attached to or detached from a frame member (main body side plate). In the example of Patent Document 1, the replacement unit is a process unit including a developing cartridge or the like.

  A first electrode is disposed on the inner side surface of the frame member. On the other hand, the second electrode is disposed on the outer side surface of the replacement unit. The second electrode includes a contact portion made of a cup-shaped (substantially U-shaped cross-section) metal member, and a coil spring that biases the contact portion toward the outside of the replacement unit (in the frame member direction).

  In this image forming apparatus, when the replacement unit is attached to the frame member, the contact portion of the second electrode contacts the first electrode and is electrically connected. For this reason, it is possible to supply power to the replacement unit from the electric circuit of the main body.

  Here, since the contact portion of the second electrode is made of a cup-shaped metal member, it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost. For this reason, it has been studied to reduce the manufacturing cost by replacing the contact portion with a metal wire bent into a shape along a plane (FIGS. 1 and 8, etc. of Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-185825 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249362

  By the way, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, it is required that the electrical connection between the frame member and the replacement unit is reliably performed when the replacement unit is remounted or replaced after being removed.

  However, when the contact portion is made of a metal wire bent into a shape along a plane, the strength is weaker than that of a cup-shaped metal member. For this reason, when the replacement unit is mounted or removed, the contact portion of the second electrode and the inner side surface of the frame member come into contact with each other while being rubbed, so that the contact portion is easily damaged. As a result, the first electrode and the second electrode There is a possibility that the electrical connection between the electrodes, that is, the electrical connection between the frame member and the replacement unit cannot be reliably performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing electrical connection between a frame member and an exchange unit while reducing manufacturing costs. Objective.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a frame member having a first electrode,
A second electrode that is electrically connected in contact with the first electrode, and includes an exchange unit that can be attached to or detached from the frame member;
The exchange unit is attached to the frame member by an attachment operation of inserting along the second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the frame member, and inserting the exchange unit along the second direction. An image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the frame member by a removal operation opposite to the mounting operation,
One of the first electrode and the second electrode is made of a metal wire bent into a shape along a plane, and advances and retreats in a third direction three-dimensionally orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. A contact portion configured to be in contact with the other of the first electrode and the second electrode;
A plane along the contact portion is parallel to the third direction, a first plane parallel to the first direction and the third direction, and a second plane parallel to the second direction and the third direction. The direction of the contact portion is set so as to be in a positional relationship intersecting the first plane and the second plane at an angle smaller than an acute intersection angle formed by intersecting two planes. (Claim 1).

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the contact portion is made of a metal wire bent into a shape along a plane, the manufacturing cost is reduced as compared with the conventional technology in which the contact portion is made of a cup-shaped metal member. can do.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the plane along the contact portion in one of the first electrode and the second electrode is parallel to the third direction and parallel to the first direction and the third direction. The first plane and the second plane parallel to the second direction and the third direction intersect with the first plane and the second plane at an angle smaller than the acute intersection angle formed by the intersection. Thus, the direction of the contact portion is set. In other words, the contact portion is positioned so that the plane along the contact portion faces the direction within the range between the first and second directions, which are the directions of the locus of the second electrode when the replacement unit is mounted or removed. Direction is set. For this reason, the contact portion and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode have a shallow angle (a state in which there is little deviation between the direction of the contact portion and the other direction of the first electrode and the second electrode) when mounting or removing. ) Will come in contact with rubbing. For this reason, out of the contacts that act between the contact portion and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode, contact from the direction in which the contact portion is laid down (direction facing the plane along the contact portion) or twisting direction Is reduced, so that damage to the contact portion can be suppressed.

  Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the electrical connection between the frame member and the replacement unit can be reliably performed while reducing the manufacturing cost.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is desirable to set the orientation of the contact portion so that the plane along the contact portion has a half-crossing angle and a positional relationship intersecting the first plane and the second plane. (Claim 2).

  According to this configuration, the orientation of the contact portion is set so that the plane along the contact portion is in a positional relationship facing the middle direction between the first and second directions. For this reason, out of the contacts that act between the contact portion and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode, contact from the direction in which the contact portion is laid down (direction facing the plane along the contact portion) or twisting direction Is further reduced, so that damage to the contact portion can be further suppressed. In particular, by setting the orientation of the contact portion so as to be in the middle of the first and second directions, the insertion of the replacement unit in the first direction and the insertion in the second direction Thus, the influence of the contact acting between the contact portion and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode can be assigned almost evenly.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode are provided on surfaces that are orthogonal to the third direction in the frame member and the exchange unit and that face each other, from one of the surfaces to the other surface. It is desirable that the contact portion is provided so as to protrude, and the contact portion extends long along the one surface direction.

  According to this configuration, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, when the replacement unit is mounted or removed, the contact portion contacts the other electrode while rubbing in a direction parallel to the opposing surface of the frame member and the replacement unit. However, as described above, since both contact with each other while rubbing at a shallow angle, contact from the direction in which the contact portion is laid down or twisted is reduced, and damage to the contact portion can be suppressed.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the mounting operation in which the replacement unit is inserted into the frame member along the first direction and further inserted along the second direction intersecting the first direction, or the mounting operation. In an image forming apparatus that is attached or removed by a removal operation that is the reverse procedure of
A first electrode on a surface orthogonal to a third direction three-dimensionally orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction in the frame member; orthogonal to the third direction in the replacement unit; and the frame member Each having a second electrode in contact with the first electrode on a surface facing the surface,
One of the first electrode and the second electrode protrudes from the surface of one of the frame member and the replacement unit and extends long along the surface direction, and the long direction extends in the first direction and the It is made of a wire rod having a direction smaller than an acute angle formed by intersecting the second direction and intersecting the first direction and the second direction (Claim 4).

  According to this configuration, as described above, when the replacement unit is mounted or removed, the contact portion contacts the other electrode while rubbing in a direction parallel to the opposing surfaces of the frame member and the replacement unit. Since both contact with each other while rubbing at a shallow angle, contact from the direction in which the contact portion is laid down or twisted is reduced, and damage to the contact portion can be suppressed.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, one of the first electrode and the second electrode is obtained by bending a metal wire material so as to form at least a part of a ring shape along a plane orthogonal to the plane. It is desirable that a further part of the contact portion protrudes from the surface so as to extend long along the surface direction.

  According to this configuration, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, the metal wire is bent so as to form at least a part of an annular shape, and further a part of the metal wire is projected to form a contact portion. Can be

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, one of the first electrode and the second electrode is made of a metal wire that is continuously bent to the contact portion, and the contact portion is the first contact portion with respect to the other of the first electrode and the second electrode. It may have an elastic portion that biases in a direction parallel to the three directions. Preferably, the elastic portion is a coil spring, and the contact portion is formed by annularly forming a wire from the end of the coil spring in parallel with the direction of the central axis of the coil spring.

  According to this configuration, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the electrode having the contact portion and the elastic portion can be easily manufactured with one wire, so that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is desirable that the first electrode has a contact portion and an elastic portion.

  According to this configuration, by providing the first electrode having the contact portion and the elastic portion on the frame member, the replacement unit can be reduced in size as compared with the case where the second electrode having the same configuration is provided on the replacement unit. In addition, since the replacement unit may be handled in a state where it is taken out from the frame member, there is a high possibility that the exposed contact portion will be damaged when the electrode shape including the contact portion is adopted on the replacement unit side. By providing on the frame member side, the risk of damaging the contact portion can be reduced.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an electrophotographic image forming unit that is disposed on a frame member and forms a toner image on a surface of a recording medium to be conveyed, and image forming units on both sides in the width direction of the image forming unit. A drawer having left and right side frames to support; a conveyance belt disposed on the frame member for conveying the recording medium in contact with the back surface of the recording medium; and a transfer roller for transferring the toner image to the recording medium. And a transport unit. The exchange unit is a drawer on which the image forming unit is mounted, and the left and right side frames are supported so as to be attachable to or detachable from the frame member in the first direction and the second direction. It is desirable to provide the first electrode and the second electrode on the surface facing the member.

  In this case, the drawer can be easily attached to or detached from the frame member by moving the left and right side frames in the first direction and the second direction. In addition, first and second electrodes are provided between the side frame of the drawer and the frame member for supplying power to the photoconductor and the discharge body of the image forming unit. And the plane of the contact portion is in a positional relationship facing the direction within the range between the first and second directions, which is the direction of the locus of the second electrode when the drawer is attached or removed. By setting the direction, it is possible to reliably enjoy the effects of the present invention between the drawer and the housing.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming unit is a tandem type in which a plurality of image forming units that form toner images corresponding to a plurality of colors on a recording medium are arranged in series along the conveyance direction of the recording medium. Can be a thing. The drawer preferably includes a plurality of second electrodes on the side frame along the longitudinal direction, and the frame member includes a plurality of first electrodes at positions corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes ( Claim 9).

  In this case, a plurality of first and second electrodes are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the side frame of the drawer in order to supply power to a plurality of photoconductors, discharge bodies and the like constituting the tandem image forming unit. Therefore, for each electrode, the plane along the contact portion has a positional relationship that faces a direction within a range sandwiched between the first and second directions, which are directions of the locus of the second electrode when the drawer is attached or removed. Thus, the effect of this invention can be enjoyed more reliably by setting the direction of a contact part.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first electrode has a contact portion, and among the plurality of first electrodes, at least the first electrode disposed on the side closer to the upstream side in the first direction when the drawer is inserted is About the contact part which has, it is desirable to set the direction of the said contact part so that the plane which follows a contact part may become a positional relationship which cross | intersects a 1st plane and a 2nd plane at an angle smaller than an intersection angle (Claim 10). ).

  When the first electrode has a contact portion, the contact portion disposed on the upstream side in the first direction is more suitable for the replacement unit or the contact portion disposed on the downstream side in the first direction when the replacement unit is inserted. Since it contacts with the 2nd electrode in a long range, since it is easy to be influenced by not adjusting the direction of a contact part, the effect of the present invention can be enjoyed by a small change by setting it as the above-mentioned composition.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus of an Example. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the drawer according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a frame member according to an image forming apparatus of an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an attachment operation and a removal operation of a drawer on which an image forming unit is mounted, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an attachment operation and a removal operation of a drawer on which an image forming unit is mounted, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a first electrode of a frame member and a second electrode of a drawer, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first electrode according to an image forming apparatus of an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a first electrode attached to a frame member in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a first electrode mounted on a frame member and a second electrode of a drawer that contacts the first electrode, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. 3 is an explanatory diagram three-dimensionally showing a relative relationship among a first direction, a second direction, a third direction (left-right direction), a first plane, a second plane, and a plane along a contact portion in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. is there.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Example)
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment uses a color laser that forms an image having a plurality of colors on a sheet (including an OHP sheet) as a recording medium by an electrophotographic method. It is a printer. In FIG. 1, the right side of the paper is defined as the front side of the apparatus, and the left side of the paper is defined as the rear side of the apparatus. Further, when the device is viewed from the front side, the side that comes to the left hand (the front side of the paper) is defined as the left side, and the opposite side is defined as the right side, and the front, rear, left, and right directions are displayed. Then, the front, rear, left, and right directions shown in FIGS. 2 to 10 are all displayed in correspondence with the directions shown in FIG. Hereinafter, each component provided in the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

1. Schematic Configuration The housing 3 is a substantially box-like body, and a frame member (only one side wall 3R of the frame member is shown in FIG. 3) is provided inside thereof. The frame member is assembled with a paper feeding unit 20, an image forming unit 10, a transport unit 30, a fixing device 80, and the like. The image forming unit 10 is located substantially at the center of the housing 3.

  On the upper surface side of the housing 3, a discharge tray 5 is provided on which a sheet discharged from the discharge rollers 28 and 29 after image formation is placed. In addition, a front cover 6 that can be opened and closed with the lower end side as a swing center axis is provided on the front surface of the housing 3.

2. Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 20 forms an image of a paper feed tray 21 that is detachably stored below the housing 3, and that is provided above the front end of the paper feed tray 21 and placed on the paper feed tray 21. A sheet feeding roller 22 that feeds (conveys) the sheet 10 and a separation pad 23 that separates the sheets fed by the sheet feeding roller 22 by giving a predetermined conveyance resistance to the sheets. Yes.

  Then, in the sheet conveyance path P (indicated by a thick two-dot chain line in FIG. 1), the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 10 while curving in a substantially U shape at a portion that turns to a substantially U shape in front. Conveying rollers 24 and 25 are provided for applying a conveying force to the sheet to be printed.

  Further, on the downstream side of the conveyance path P with respect to the conveyance rollers 24 and 25, the skew of the sheet is corrected by contacting the leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance rollers 24 and 25, and then the sheet is further removed. Registration rollers 26 and 27 for conveying the image forming unit 10 toward the image forming unit 10 are provided.

3. Transport Unit The transport unit 30 is disposed between the lower paper feed tray 21 and the upper image forming unit 10 and includes a transport belt 33 and transfer rollers 73K, 73Y, 73M, and 73C.

  The conveyance belt 33 is wound around a driving roller 31 positioned below the rear end side of the image forming unit 10 and a driven roller 32 positioned below the front end side of the image forming unit 10. The driving roller 31 rotates in synchronization with the registration rollers 26 and 27 of the paper feeding unit 20, so that the conveying belt 33 circulates between the driving roller 31 and the driven roller 32. The upper surface of the conveyance belt 33 is disposed substantially horizontally immediately below the image forming unit 10, and is a sheet conveyance surface 33 </ b> A that contacts the back surface of the sheet and conveys the sheet along the conveyance path P. Yes.

  The transfer rollers 73K, 73Y, 73M, and 73C are provided in the transport unit 30 in a state where the transfer rollers 73K, 73Y, 73M, and 73C are in contact with the transport belt 33 from the back surface side of the sheet transport surface 33A. Since the conveyor belt 33 is made of conductive rubber, the conveyor belt 33 is also charged by a negative charge (transfer voltage) applied to each of the transfer rollers 73K to 73C. Thus, the transport belt 33 can transport the paper along the transport path P while adsorbing the paper to the paper transport surface 33A by electrostatic force.

4). Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 10 is a so-called direct tandem type capable of color printing, and includes four process cartridges 70K, 70Y, 70M, 70C and the like, a scanner unit 60, and the like. The scanner unit 60 is disposed at the uppermost position inside the housing 3. The four process cartridges 70K, 70Y, 70M, and 70C correspond to toners (developers) of four colors, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, and are arranged in series from the upstream side to the downstream side of the sheet conveying surface 33A. ing. The process cartridges 70K to 70C are mounted on a drawer 90 described later.

4.1. Scanner Unit The scanner unit 60 includes a laser light source, a polygon mirror, an fθ lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like. The laser beam emitted from the laser light source is deflected by the polygon mirror, passes through the fθ lens, and then the optical path is turned back by the reflecting mirror, and further, the optical path is bent downward by the reflecting mirror, whereby the process is performed. Irradiation is performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 provided in each of the cartridges 70K to 70C to form an electrostatic latent image.

4.2. Process Cartridge Since the process cartridges 70K to 70C are the same except for the color of the toner as the colorant and the others are the same, the structure of the process cartridge 70C will be described below as an example.

  The process cartridge 70C includes a known photosensitive drum 71, a charger 72, a toner cartridge 74, and the like.

  The toner cartridge 74 includes a toner storage chamber 74A in which toner is stored, a supply roller 74B, a development roller 74C, and the like. The toner in the toner storage chamber 74A is supplied to the developing roller 74C side by the rotation of the supply roller 74B, is carried on the surface of the developing roller 74C, and is adjusted to a predetermined thickness by the layer thickness regulating blade 74D. It is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 71. The photosensitive drum 71 is disposed on the opposite side of the transfer roller 73 </ b> C across the paper conveyance surface 33 </ b> A of the conveyance belt 33.

5). Fixing Device The fixing device 80 is disposed on the downstream side of the process cartridges 70K to 70C in the paper transport path P. The fixing device 80 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82. The heating roller 81 is disposed on the image forming surface side of the paper and rotates in synchronization with the transport belt 33 and the like, and applies a transport force to the paper while heating the toner transferred onto the paper. On the other hand, the pressure roller 82 is disposed on the opposite side of the heating roller 81 with the sheet interposed therebetween, and is driven to rotate while pressing the sheet toward the heating roller 81 side. As a result, the fixing device 80 heats and melts the toner transferred onto the paper to fix it on the paper, and conveys the paper downstream of the conveyance path P. The conveyance path P is curved in a substantially U shape toward the upper side on the downstream side of the fixing device 80. Discharge rollers 28 and 29 for discharging the sheet on which the image is formed to the discharge tray 5 are provided immediately before the discharge tray 5 on the most downstream side of the transport path P.

6). Outline of Image Forming Operation In the printer 1 of the embodiment having such a configuration, an image is formed on a sheet as follows. That is, when the image forming operation is started, the paper feeding unit 20 and the conveyance unit 30 are operated to convey the paper to the image forming unit 10, and the scanner unit 60, the process cartridges 70K to 70C, and the like are operated. Then, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 71 is uniformly positively charged by the charger 72 and then exposed to the laser beam emitted from the scanner unit 60. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is used for image formation. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the data is formed.

  Next, when the developing roller 74 </ b> C is rotated, the positively charged toner carried on the developing roller 74 </ b> C is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 when it contacts the photosensitive drum 71. Supplied to the electrostatic latent image. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 71 is visualized, and a toner image by reversal development is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71.

  Thereafter, the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is transferred onto the sheet by a transfer voltage applied to the transfer rollers 73K to 73C. When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 80. The toner image is fixed on the paper by being heated and pressed by the heating roller 81 and the pressing roller 82. Finally, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 5 and the image forming operation is finished.

7). Drawer Installation and Removal Operations As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming unit 10 (excluding the scanner unit 60) is mounted on a drawer 90 described in detail below. The drawer 90 is housed in the housing 3 so as to be attached or detached while the image forming unit 10 is housed and held. The drawer 90 as a single unit has the same shape as the front wall 91, the right frame 92R (shown in FIG. 2), and the left frame 92L (the right frame 92R shown in FIG. 2). 2) and the rear wall 93 are combined in a frame shape, and the upper side and the lower side are opened.

  Handles 91 </ b> A (front side) and 93 </ b> A (rear side) protrude upward from upper end edges of the front wall 91 and the rear wall 93. The handles 91 </ b> A and 93 </ b> A are for the user to hold when the drawer 90 is attached to or removed from the housing 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of cam followers 99 projecting outward in the horizontal direction (the front side and the back side in FIG. 2) are rotatably supported above the rear end sides of the left and right side frames 92R and 92L. ing. Both the left and right cam followers 99 have axial centers on the same line in the horizontal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the left and right side walls 3 </ b> R of the frame member positioned with the drawer 90 sandwiched from the left and right directions guide the cam follower 99 when the drawer 90 is attached to or removed from the housing 3. S1 and 2nd guide surface S2 are formed in step shape.

  The first guide surface S1 is a flat surface that is horizontal in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the apparatus and that is elongated in the front-rear direction. The second guide surface S2 is a plane that is horizontal in the left-right direction and is inclined obliquely downward toward the rear side of the apparatus. The rear end edge of the first guide surface S1 and the front end edge of the second guide surface S2 are continuous, and the guide surface is bent at the first guide surface S1 and the second guide surface S2. Further, a stopper surface S3 that is bent from the rear edge of the second guide surface S2 and rises upward is formed on the inner side wall 3R.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the drawer 90 is mounted on the frame member, the two cam followers 99 on the rear end sides of the left and right side frames 92R and 92L are stopped against the stopper surfaces S3 of the left and right side walls 3R. ing. Although illustration is omitted, protrusions (not shown) protruding inward (directions facing each other) are formed on the front end sides of the left and right side walls 3R, and left and right side frames 92R and 92L of the drawer 90 are formed on the protrusions. As a result, the drawer 90 is supported by the frame member in a substantially horizontal state. In this state, each photosensitive drum 71 is in contact with the transfer rollers 73 </ b> K to 73 </ b> C via the conveying belt 33 at a position facing each other.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the drawer 90 is removed from the housing 3 by the removal operation described below. First, as shown in FIG. 4, with the front cover 6 opened, the handle 91A on the front end side of the drawer 90 is held and pulled toward the front. Then, the cam follower 99 rolls obliquely upward along the second guide surface S2. For this reason, the drawer 90 is pulled out obliquely upward along the second direction D2 parallel to the inclined second guide surface S2. As a result, the respective photosensitive drums 71 are separated obliquely upward from the transfer rollers 73K to 73C.

  Further, when the drawer 90 is pulled forward, the cam follower 99 moves from the second guide surface S2 to the first guide surface S1 and rolls in the horizontal direction along the first guide surface S1, as shown in FIG. For this reason, the drawer 90 is pulled out horizontally along the first direction D1 parallel to the horizontal first guide surface S1. Each toner cartridge 74 can be removed from or attached to the drawer 90 with the drawer 90 pulled out. Further, the drawer 90 can be removed from the housing 3 by holding and lifting the handles 91A, 93A in the pulled out position.

  On the other hand, the drawer 90 is attached to the housing 3 by the reverse operation of the removal operation. That is, with the drawer 90 removed from the housing 3, the cam follower 99 is placed on the first guide surface S <b> 1 and the drawer 90 is inserted into the housing 3. Then, the cam follower 99 rolls in the horizontal direction along the first guide surface S1. For this reason, the drawer 90 is inserted horizontally along the first direction D1.

  Further, when the drawer 90 is inserted into the back of the housing 3, the cam follower 99 moves from the first guide surface S1 to the second guide surface S2, and rolls obliquely downward along the second guide surface S2. For this reason, the drawer 90 is inserted obliquely downward along the inclined second direction D2. Then, the cam follower 99 stops against the stopper surface S3. At this time, the drawer 90 is supported by the frame member in a substantially horizontal state by placing the front end portions of the left and right side frames 92R, 92L of the drawer 90 on the above-described protrusions protruding on the front end side of the left and right side walls 3R. . Thus, the drawer 90 can be attached to the frame member.

  As described above, in the printer 1, maintenance of the process cartridges 70 </ b> K to 70 </ b> C provided in the drawer 90 and replacement of the toner cartridge 74 can be easily performed. The photosensitive drum 71, the charger 72, and the like are integrally supported and fixed to the drawer 90, and are exchanged together with the drawer 90 as consumables.

  Here, in the following description, the left-right direction (the direction along the rotation center of the rotating drum 71) is a third direction that is three-dimensionally orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first guide surface S1 is a first plane parallel to the first direction D1 and the third direction (left-right direction). The second guide surface S2 is a second plane parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction (left-right direction).

8). In a state where the drawer 90 is mounted on the first electrode and the second electrode frame member, an electric circuit disposed in the housing 3 is used to supply power to each component of the image forming unit 10 mounted on the drawer 90. Electrical connection with the drawer 90 needs to be made. Therefore, in the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the frame member 3R is provided with twelve first electrodes 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112. As shown in FIG. 2, the drawer 90 is provided with twelve second electrodes 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212. Although other electrodes such as an electrode connected to the ground are provided between the frame member 3R and the drawer 90, they are omitted for simplification of description.

8.1. 2nd electrode As shown in FIG. 2, on the side surface orthogonal to the 3rd direction of the right side frame 92R in the drawer 90, the 2nd electrodes 201-212 which are rectangular metal pieces are predetermined | prescribed in the front-back direction in two steps up and down. It is provided with an interval. Each of the second electrodes 201 to 212 is substantially flush with the side surface of the right frame 92 </ b> R so as not to protrude so much from the right frame 92 </ b> R in order to reduce the size of the drawer 90. Inside the drawer 90, the second electrodes 201, 204, 207, 210 are electrically connected to the corresponding developing rollers 74C. The second electrodes 202, 205, 208, and 211 are electrically connected to the corresponding photosensitive drums 71. The second electrodes 203, 206, 209, 212 are electrically connected to the corresponding chargers 72. That is, the second electrodes 201 to 203, the second electrodes 204 to 206, the second electrodes 207 to 209, and the second electrodes 210 to 212 are four corresponding to the four process cartridges 70K to 70C, respectively. It is a group.

  6 shows a state facing the side wall 3R from the viewpoint of the inner center of the housing 3, that is, a state viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the third direction (left-right direction). In FIG. 6, the relative positional relationship between the side wall 3 </ b> R and each of the second electrodes 201 to 212 in a state where the drawer 90 is attached to the frame member is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  When the drawer 90 is detached from the frame member, each of the second electrodes 201 to 212 moves obliquely upward along the second direction D2, and further draws a locus that moves horizontally along the first direction D1. Conversely, when the drawer 90 is mounted on the housing 3, the second electrodes 201 to 212 move horizontally along the first direction D1, and further move obliquely downward along the second direction D2. Draw a trajectory.

8.2. First electrode As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the right side frame 92 </ b> R that is orthogonal to the third direction and has the second electrodes 201 to 212 in the state in which the drawer 90 is attached to the frame member on the side wall 3 </ b> R. The first electrodes 101 to 112 are provided at positions facing the second electrodes 201 to 212 on the surface facing the side surfaces of the first electrode 101 to 212. The configuration of each of the first electrodes 101 to 112 is the same. Therefore, the first electrode 101 will be described, and the description of the first electrodes 102 to 112 will be omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first electrode 101 has a contact portion 101A and an elastic portion 101B formed by bending one metal wire. The contact portion 101A is bent into an annular shape along the plane R101, and the elastic portion 101B is bent into a coil spring shape continuously to the contact portion 101A. The central axis of the coil spring is located in parallel with the extended surface of the plane R101.

  The contact portion 101A can be manufactured at low cost by bending the wire from the end of the coil spring-shaped elastic portion 101B along a plane R101 parallel to the direction of the central axis of the coil spring and into an annular shape larger than the winding diameter of the coil spring. Manufactured by. A plane R101 along which the contact portion 101A extends is set to be parallel to and include the axis C101 of the elastic portion 101B.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the first electrode 101 is an electric circuit in a state where the elastic part 101B is compressed along the axial center C101 with the axial center C101 oriented in the third direction (left-right direction). Are disposed between the substrate 3K and the side wall 3R. The contact portion 101A is inserted into a slit 3S formed in the side wall 3R, and a part of the contact portion 101A protrudes from the slit 3S to the right frame 92R side of the drawer 90. That is, the plane R101 along the contact portion 101A is parallel to the third direction (left-right direction), and the portion of the wire forming the contact portion 101A exposed from the side wall 3R to the drawer 90 side is substantially the side of the side wall 3R on the drawer 90 side. While extending long along the surface direction, it protrudes in a curved manner from the surface. In addition, the slit 3S has a width dimension that is longer than the outer diameter of the ring formed by the contact portion 101A and wider than the thickness of the wire, but smaller than the coil diameter of the elastic portion 101B. For this reason, the contact portion 101A can advance and retreat in the third direction (left-right direction) according to the urging action of the elastic portion 101B or against the urging action.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in the first electrode 101, a plane R101 along the contact portion 101A has a first guide surface S1 parallel to the first direction D1 and the third direction (left-right direction), and a second direction D2. And the first guide surface S1 and the second guide surface S1 at angles G2 and G3 smaller than the acute intersection angle G1 formed by the intersection of the second guide surface S2 parallel to the third direction (left-right direction). The direction of the contact portion 101A is set so as to have a crossing positional relationship. At this time, the angles G2 and G3 are angles that satisfy “G2 = G3 = G1 / 2” with respect to the intersection angle G1. That is, the orientation of the contact portion 101A is set so that the plane R101 along the contact portion 101A is in a positional relationship facing the middle direction between the first and second directions D1 and D2. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the intersection angle G1 is also an acute intersection angle formed by the intersection of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

  Similarly to the first electrode 101, the first electrodes 102 to 112 have the shape shown in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIG. 8, a part of the contact portions 102 </ b> A to 112 </ b> A extends from the slit 3 </ b> S to the right side frame of the drawer 90. It is in a state of projecting to the 92R side. As shown in FIG. 6, the contact portions 102A to 112A are set in the same direction as the contact portion 101A, that is, the planes R102 to R112 are set parallel to the plane R101.

8.3. Contact between the first and second electrodes when the transport unit is mounted or removed With reference to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the contact between the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 201 when the drawer 90 is mounted or removed. explain. Since the same applies to the first electrodes 102 to 112 and the second electrodes 202 to 212, description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  When the drawer 90 is inserted into the housing 3 along the first direction D1, and further inserted along the second direction D2, the right frame 92R and the second electrode 201 move along the same locus. At this time, the rear end portion of the moving right frame 92R comes into contact with the contact portion 101A on the side wall 3R side. Then, the contact portion 101A is pushed toward the side wall 3R from the state shown in FIG. 8, and is displaced in a direction parallel to the third direction (left-right direction) and retracted from the right frame 92R. The right frame 92R moves while the right frame 92R and the second electrode 201 rub against the contact portion 101A until the drawer 90 moves to the mounting position. In this way, the first electrode 101 is in contact with and electrically connected to the second electrode 201 at the position shown in FIG.

  Further, when the drawer 90 is pulled out from the housing 3 along the second direction D2, and further pulled out along the first direction D1, the right frame 92R and the second electrode 201 move along the same locus. At this time, the right frame 92R moves while the right frame 92R and the second electrode 201 rub against the contact portion 101A. When the right frame 92R moves away from the contact portion 101A, the contact portion 101A is displaced in a direction parallel to the third direction (left and right direction) and closer to the right frame 92R by the urging force of the elastic portion 101B. Then, the original state is restored (see FIG. 8). Thus, the first electrode 101 is separated from the second electrode 201 and the electrical connection is cut off.

  Here, in the first electrode 101, the orientation of the contact portion 101A is set so that the plane R101 along the contact portion 101A is in a positional relationship facing the middle direction between the first and second directions D1 and D2. For this reason, the contact portion 101A and the second electrode 201 have a shallow angle when the drawer 90 is mounted or removed (a state where there is little deviation between the direction of the contact portion and the other direction of the first electrode and the second electrode). Will come in contact with rubbing. Thereby, among the contacts acting between the contact portion 101A, the right frame 92R, and the second electrode 201, the direction in which the contact portion 101A is laid down (the direction facing the plane R101 along the contact portion 101) or the twisting direction. Contact from is reduced. The contact of the first electrodes 102 to 112 and the second electrodes 202 to 212 is the same as that of the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 202.

9. Operational Effect In the printer 1 according to the embodiment, the first electrodes 101 to 112 are made of a metal wire bent into a shape along the planes R101 to R112. For this reason, compared with the prior art which a contact part consists of a cup-shaped metal member, manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the printer 1, the first guide surfaces whose planes R101 to R112 along the contact portions 101A to 112A are parallel to the third direction (left-right direction) and parallel to the first direction D1 and the third direction (left-right direction). S1 and the second plane D1 and the second guide surface S2 parallel to the third direction (left-right direction) intersect at an angle G2 and G3 smaller than the acute angle G1 formed by intersecting the first plane S1 and The orientations of the contact portions 101A to 112A are set so that the positional relationship intersects with the second plane S1. That is, the planes R101 to R112 along the contact portions 101A to 112A are within the range sandwiched between the first and second directions D1 and D2, which are the directions of the trajectories of the second electrodes 201 to 212 when the drawer 90 is mounted or removed. The orientations of the contact portions 101A to 112A are set so as to have a positional relationship facing the direction. For this reason, the contact portions 101A to 112A, the right frame 92R, and the second electrodes 201 to 212 come into contact with each other while being rubbed at a shallow angle when being mounted or removed. For this reason, out of the frictional resistance acting between the contact portions 101A to 112A, the right frame 92R, and the second electrodes 201 to 212, the direction in which the contact portions 101A to 112A are laid down (a plane along the contact portions 101A to 112A). Since the frictional resistance in the direction of twisting and the direction facing R101 to R112 is reduced, damage to the contact portions 101A to 112A can be suppressed.

  Therefore, according to the printer 1 of the embodiment, the electrical connection between the side wall 3 </ b> R of the frame member and the drawer 90 can be reliably performed while reducing the manufacturing cost. As a result, the electrical circuit in the housing 3 and the drawer 90 can be connected. The electrical connection to can be reliably performed.

  Further, in the printer 1, the planes R101 to R112 along the contact portions 101A to 112A intersect the first guide surface S1 and the second guide surface S2 at an angle (G2 = G3 = G1 / 2) that is a half of the intersection angle G1. The orientations of the contact portions 101A to 112A are set so as to be in a positional relationship, that is, in a positional relationship facing the middle direction between the first and second directions D1 and D2. For this reason, among the frictional resistances acting between the contact parts 101A to 112A, the right frame 92R, and the second electrodes 201 to 212, the frictional resistance in the direction in which the contact parts 101A to 112A are laid down or twisted is further increased. Since it is reduced, damage to contact parts 101A-112A can be controlled more. In particular, by setting the orientation of the contact portions 101A to 112A so as to be in a positional relationship facing the middle direction between the first and second directions D1 and D2, when the drawer 90 is inserted in the first direction D1, The influence of the contact acting between the contact portions 101A to 112A and the second electrodes 201 to 212 can be assigned almost evenly when inserted in the two directions D2.

  Further, in the printer 1, the first electrodes 101 to 112 are made of a metal wire that is continuously bent to the contact portions 101 </ b> A to 112 </ b> A, and the contact portions 101 </ b> A to 112 </ b> A are moved in the third direction with respect to the second electrodes 201 to 212. The elastic portions 101B to 112B are urged in a direction parallel to the (left-right direction). The elastic portions 101B to 112B are coil springs, and the contact portions 101A to 112A are formed by annularly forming a wire from the end of the coil spring in parallel with the central axis direction of the coil spring. For this reason, since the 1st electrodes 101-112 which have contact part 101A-112A and elastic part 101B-112B can be easily manufactured with one wire, manufacturing cost can be reduced more.

  Further, in the printer 1, the first electrodes 101 to 112 having the contact portions 101 </ b> A to 112 </ b> A and the elastic portions 101 </ b> B to 112 </ b> B are provided on the frame member side, so that the second electrode having the same configuration is provided on the drawer 90. Thus, the drawer 90 can be reduced in size. Further, since the drawer 90 may be handled in a state where it is taken out from the frame member, when the electrode shape including the contact portion is adopted for the second electrodes 201 to 212 on the drawer 90 side, the exposed contact portion is damaged. However, the risk of damaging the contact portion can be reduced by providing it on the frame member side.

  Further, the printer 1 includes an electrophotographic image forming unit 10, a drawer 90, and a transport unit 30, and the replacement unit is a drawer 90 on which the image forming unit 10 is mounted. The drawer 90 can be easily attached to or detached from the frame member (side wall 3R) by moving the left and right side frames 92R and 92L in the first and second directions D1 and D2. In addition, the first electrode 101 to 112 and the second electrode 201 to 212 for supplying power to the developing roller 74C, the photosensitive drum 71, and the charger 72 are provided between the side frame 92R and the side wall 3R of the drawer 90. Thus, the effects of the present invention can be surely enjoyed.

  In this embodiment, the orientation of the contact portions 101A to 112A is set as described above for all the first electrodes 101 to 112, but the side closer to the front side in the first direction D1 (the front side of the housing 3). As for the contact portion 101A and the like of the first electrode 101 and the like disposed in the first direction, the orientation is set as described above, while the first portion disposed on the side closer to the distal end side in the second direction D2 (the rear side of the housing 3). For the contact portion 112A and the like of the electrode 112 and the like, for example, the orientation of the contact portion 112A and the like can be set so that the positional relationship is parallel to the second direction D2. The contact portion 101A disposed on the near side in the first direction D1 is longer in the right frame 92R and the second electrodes 201 to 212 than the contact portion 112A disposed on the side closer to the distal end side in the second direction D2. Since it contacts, it is easy to influence by not adjusting the direction of a contact part, Therefore By setting it as the said structure, the effect of this invention can be enjoyed with a small change.

  While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the spirit thereof.

  “Position relationship in which the planes R101 to R112 along the contact portions 101A to 112A intersect the first guide surface S1 and the second guide surface S2 at a half angle (G2 = G3 = G1 / 2) of the intersection angle G1”. However, this is substantially the case, and has a certain width in relation to the dimensional error of parts and the assembly accuracy.

  The replacement unit is applicable to other components such as the transport unit 30, the fixing device 80, and the waste toner collection unit as long as the replacement unit performs the same mounting operation and removal operation as the drawer 90.

  Furthermore, the shape of the contact portion is not limited to the annular shape described in the above embodiment, but it is an elliptical or rectangular ring shape, or a shape substantially along a plane, preferably substantially the surface of the member on which the contact portion is provided. Other shapes may be used as long as the shape extends long along the direction.

  Moreover, the coil spring as an elastic part is omissible by comprising so that it may contact with the other electrode by the elasticity of contact part itself.

  In addition, the frame member may be configured by forming the part that supports the drawer 90, the part that supports the transport unit 30, the part that supports the first electrode, and the like by using separate members, and combining these members. Good.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus.

1. Image forming apparatus (printer)
101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 ... 1st electrode 3 ... Housing 3R ... Frame member (side wall)
201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212 ... second electrode 90 ... exchange unit (drawer)
92R, 92L ... side frame D1 ... first direction D2 ... second direction S1 ... first plane (first guide surface)
S2 ... 2nd plane (2nd guide surface)
G1: A sharp intersection angle formed by the intersection of the first plane and the second plane G2, G3: Angles smaller than the intersection angles 101A, 102A, 103A, 104A, 105A, 106A, 107A, 108A, 109A, 110A , 111A, 112A ... contact portions R101, R102, R103, R104, R105, R106, R107, R108, R109, R110, R111, R112 ... planes along the contact portions 101B, 102B, 103B, 104B, 105B, 106B, 107B, 108B, 109B, 110B, 111B, 112B ... Elastic part 10 ... Image forming part 33 ... Conveying belt 73K, 73Y, 73M, 73C ... Transfer roller

Claims (10)

A frame member having a first electrode;
A second electrode that is electrically connected in contact with the first electrode, and includes an exchange unit that can be attached to or detached from the frame member;
The exchange unit is attached to the frame member by an attachment operation of inserting along the second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the frame member, and inserting the exchange unit along the second direction. An image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the frame member by a removal operation opposite to the mounting operation,
One of the first electrode and the second electrode is made of a metal wire bent into a shape along a plane, and advances and retreats in a third direction three-dimensionally orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. A contact portion configured to be in contact with the other of the first electrode and the second electrode;
A plane along the contact portion is parallel to the third direction, a first plane parallel to the first direction and the third direction, and a second plane parallel to the second direction and the third direction. The direction of the contact portion is set so as to be in a positional relationship intersecting the first plane and the second plane at an angle smaller than an acute intersection angle formed by intersecting two planes. An image forming apparatus.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the orientation of the contact portion is set so that a plane along the contact portion has a positional relationship intersecting the first plane and the second plane at an angle that is half of the intersection angle. Forming equipment.   The first electrode and the second electrode are provided on surfaces of the frame member and the replacement unit that are orthogonal to the third direction and face each other, and the contact portion is directed from one of the surfaces to the other surface. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion extends long along the one surface direction. Inserting the replacement unit into the frame member along the first direction and then mounting along the second direction intersecting the first direction, or mounting by the detaching operation that is the reverse procedure of the mounting operation Or in an image forming apparatus to be removed,
A first electrode on a surface orthogonal to a third direction three-dimensionally orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction in the frame member; orthogonal to the third direction in the replacement unit; and the frame member Each having a second electrode in contact with the first electrode on a surface facing the surface,
One of the first electrode and the second electrode protrudes from the surface of one of the frame member and the replacement unit and extends long along the surface direction, and the long direction extends in the first direction and the An image forming apparatus comprising: a wire rod having an angle smaller than an acute angle formed by intersecting the second direction and a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.   One of the first electrode and the second electrode is formed by bending a metal wire material so as to form at least a part of a ring shape along a plane orthogonal to the plane, and a further part of the ring shape is formed in the plane direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the contact portion protrudes from the surface so as to extend long along the surface. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is made of a metal wire bent continuously to the contact portion, and the contact portion is connected to the other of the first electrode and the second electrode by the third electrode. Having an elastic part that urges in a direction parallel to the direction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is a coil spring, and the contact portion is formed by annularly forming a wire from an end portion of the coil spring in parallel with a central axis direction of the coil spring. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first electrode includes the contact portion and the elastic portion. An electrophotographic image forming unit disposed on the frame member and forming a toner image on the surface of a recording medium to be conveyed;
A drawer having left and right side frames that support the image forming unit on both sides in the width direction of the image forming unit;
A conveyance unit that is disposed on the frame member and that contacts the back surface of the recording medium and conveys the recording medium; and a transfer unit that transfers the toner image to the recording medium. ,
The exchange unit is the drawer on which the image forming unit is mounted, and the left and right side frames are supported so as to be attachable to or detachable from the frame member in the first direction and the second direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are provided on an opposing surface of at least one of the frames and the frame member. The image forming unit is a tandem type in which a plurality of image forming units that form toner images corresponding to a plurality of colors on the recording medium are arranged in series along a conveyance direction of the recording medium,
The drawer includes a plurality of second electrodes along the longitudinal direction of the side frame, and the frame member includes a plurality of first electrodes at positions corresponding to the plurality of second electrodes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The first electrode has the contact portion;
Of the plurality of first electrodes, at least the plane of the first electrode disposed on the side closer to the upstream side in the first direction when the drawer is inserted has a plane along the contact portion, The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the orientation of the contact portion is set so that the positional relationship intersects the first plane and the second plane at an angle smaller than the intersection angle.

Images